Darbhanga was accorded the status of a district on January 1, 1875 after it was carved out of old Tirhut district. It became divisional head quarters on October 30, 1973. The Darbhanga division consists of Darbhanga,Madhubani and Samastipur districts.

The city of Darbhanga comprises of twin towns of Darbhanga and laheriasarai.This district is famed for its historical association with the Mithila region of olden times and the principality of Darbhanga Raj of recent past.